Cut Glass Inkwell with Sterling Repousse Lid

This is a nice example of Baltimore Style Repousse silver, a hallmark of the city’s silversmithing history. Based on the maker’s marks and the design, this inkwell was produced between 1894 and 1908.

Visual Description

• The Lid (Sterling Silver): The lid features a high-relief repousse design, a technique where the silver is hammered from the underside to create a 3D effect, then refined from the front (chased). The motif is a lush floral arrangement:
  • Floral Motifs: A prominent rose sits at the center, surrounded by daisies (or marguerites) and dense, scrolling foliage.
  • Side Detailing: The vertical sides of the lid are finished with a textured, reeded or pleated pattern that provides a sharp contrast to the organic floral top.
• The Base (Cut Glass): The inkwell sits in a heavy, clear crystal or cut-glass block.
  • Shape: It is a solid “cube” style, popular during the American Brilliant Period for its stability and light-refraction.
  • Design: It features beveled edges and a central, suspended conical well. The top of the glass is stepped to allow the silver lid to seat securely.
• The Markings: The underside of the silver rim is stamped:
  • “JACOBI & JENKINS”: The name of the Baltimore partnership.
  • Lighthouse/Tower Symbol: The firm’s specific hallmark.
  • “STERLING 925/1000 FINE”: Confirming the silver purity.

How old is this inkwell?

We can date this inkwell precisely because of the maker’s name. The firm operated under different names during its history in Baltimore:

• A. Jacobi: 1879–1894
• Jacobi & Jenkins: 1894–1908 (The period this piece was made)
• Jenkins & Jenkins: 1908–1915

The “Baltimore Style” seen here was originally popularized by Samuel Kirk and was highly sought after by the wealthy upper class at the turn of the 20th century. Jacobi & Jenkins were considered some of the finest practitioners of this ornate, hand-worked style.